Adrian Pearsall designed some of the most exuberant and expressive American chairs, sofas and other furniture of the 1950s and ’60s. For verve and vivacity of form, he surpasses even Vladimir Kagan — whose work is the emblem of swinging, sexy mid-20th century modernism. Pearsall gave his imagination free rein, and his flamboyant, eye-catching styles are icons of what has become known as “Atomic Age” design.
Pearsall studied architectural engineering at the University of Illinois before opening his Pennsylvania furniture company, Craft Associates, in 1952, and that training shows in many designs.
A Pearsall trademark, for example, is a lounge chair with an exceptionally tall, trapezoidal back, which give the pieces a skyscraper-like silhouette. Pearsall also had a talent for so-called Gondola sofas — long, low-slung pieces with upswept ends. Many of Pearsall’s sofas and chairs are supported not by legs, but on gently arced walnut skids.
Pearsall had a gift for tables, too, in particular glass-topped side tables and coffee tables with frames that have the look of an Alexander Calder stabile. As you will see from the offerings on 1stDibs, Pearsall had flair, and his work adds an attention-getting, sculptural exclamation point to any décor.
Find vintage Adrian Pearsall sofas, armchairs, coffee tables and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Brutalist Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Brutalist Sofa This sofa measures: 126 wide x 34.5 deep x 25 inches high, with a seat height of 10.5 (to the frame) All pieces of f...
Upholstery, Wood
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist-Inspired Two-Cushion Sofa Loveseat (2 of 2)
By Craft Associates, Paul Evans, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A striking example of Adrian Pearsall’s bold design vision, this two-cushion sofa or loveseat blends clean modernist lines with dramatic Brutalist detailing. Upholstered in rich blac...
Upholstery, Resin, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mid-century modern stunning, beautiful, high-quality long gondola walnut framed sofa Adrian Pearsall style. In new upholstery fabric and high-density foam. An exceptional sofa both f...
Walnut, Fabric, Foam
Mid-Century Sofa by Arthur Elrod
By Arthur Elrod
Located in Pasadena, CA
Elegant and glamorous sofa designed by Arthur Elrod for the Cody House in Palm Springs, circa 1960s. Re-imagined in a chic metallic gray linen. A pair o...
Fabric
$11,500
H 30 in W 101.75 in D 34 in
1960s Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Gondola Sofa Mid Century Modern
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1960s gondola sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Mid century modern at its finest with sweeping solid walnut sculptural legs. Spanning 102” in width with two o...
Fabric, Wool, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Sofa, Fabric & Acrylic, USA, 1960s Design
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Stamford, CT
Spectacular Adrian Pearsall three cushion sofa with Brutalist "bronze" finish sculptural side panels. A highly sought after Pearsall piece. Three seat cushions, three back cushions. ...
Fabric, Acrylic
Mid Century Danish Modern 1970's PIt Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Sofa Offered is a mid-century modern sofa. The sofa screams 1970, low and long. Featuring a low back that carries around to the arms this sofa...
Chrome
Custom Mid-Century Modern Inspired Sofa
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Custom Mid-Century Modern inspired sofa. Clean Mid-Century Modern design with thick back and seat cushions for comfort. Featuring a textured soft to the touch fabric in a silvery cha...
Fabric, Oak
$4,950
H 26 in W 79 in D 31 in
Mid-Century Modern Curved Sofa / Settee, Adrian Pearsall Style, Three-Seater
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Curved Sofa / Settee, Adrian Pearsall Style, Three-Seater Curvaceous three seater mid-century modern sofa in the manner of American designer, Adrian Pearsall. Ha...
Fabric, Wood
$60,000
H 25.2 in W 101.58 in D 37.01 in
Brasiliana sofa by Jorge Zalszupin, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The “Brasiliana” sofa embodies Jorge Zalszupin’s synthesis of architectural precision and sensual Brazilian materiality. Designed during the golden era of his studio L’Atelier, the p...
Upholstery, Rosewood
